I am a Buddhist, perhaps the only one on this list. While I thought that the punch line was a little strange, it was not clear how to respond to it. I choose now to resolve this with a few facts. 1. Compassion is the essential element of human relations. Without compassion enlightenment is impossible. Therefore Buddha can always spare a dime, even if (s)he doesn't have it. 2. Confusion is the defining characteristic of the human condition. Therefore we can never be insulted since any supposed insult arises out of confusion. 3. I am very upset about the Gore event. Before it I could see a Buddhist U.S. President in my lifetime. Now I cannot. The upshot is that it is hard for me to know what to say. Perhaps Max was insensitive, although from his apology it seems that he is now feeling much more guilty than necessary. As far as Michael and stereotyping, Buddhists have a very positive image, and it is painful to see it tarnished. Buddhists tend not to pay a great deal of attention to political issues. Perhaps this is a weakness. On the other hand, there are other ways in which it is a great strength. Doug is right: the Dems took advantage in an outrageous way. This is why it is such a problem for Gore. Dave ---------- From: Doug Henwood[SMTP:[EMAIL PROTECTED]] Sent: Thursday, September 11, 1997 2:18 PM To: Multiple recipients of list Subject: [PEN-L:12258] Re: Slurs Michael Eisenscher wrote: >I know this apology is sincere, but I am bothered by your choice of words. >It is not just a matter of offending Buddhists or Asians, it is the >principle of feeding off of racial or ethnic or religious stereotyping that >is at issue. Can someone explain to me just how "Buddha can you spare a dime" is a slur? Doesn't it point up the incongruence of a worldly creep like Al Gore and his worthless Dem party using a religious organization as a cash laundry? Doesn't it presume the virtue of the religious - quite the opposite of making fun of them? Doug
